When Donald Trump ran for president back in 2000, he was ridiculed for thinking anyone would take his candidacy seriously. When he ran again in 2016, he was supported by a substantial number of disgruntled Republicans and independents, who were enthralled by his talk and believed he was one of them. Trump, an alleged billionaire, convinced this MAGA crowd that he truly cared for them and would make their lives better. Arguably, his followers gelled into a cult of personality.
Today, Graham Platner appeals to voters discouraged by the current circumstances in this country. To me, there are significant parallels between Trump’s speeches and Platner’s presentations. He has acquired enthusiastic support. Platner has the bona fides as a common man that Trump has never had. He has used this to enthrall voters, just as Trump did, by appealing to their disenchantment.
Is his support becoming as cult-like as Trump’s?
Warner Price
Harpswell
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